Substance Festival 2026 is in its closing stretch in San Francisco, with two nights left at the Great American Music Hall on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30. The darkwave and industrial festival also staged a Los Angeles night at The Belasco on Oct. 24, and the San Francisco dates are the last chance to catch this year's bill.

What is on the final two nights?

The Oct. 29 show is headed by Desire and MOTHERMARY, with Madeline Goldstein, Sacred Skin, Clubdrugs and Violet Thrones also on the bill, plus DJ sets from Starr Noir and Black Lipstick. The Oct. 30 closer features Cold Cave in a solo performance, with SRSQ, Houses of Heaven, False Figure and A.cold.era, and DJ sets from Pink Stiletto and Hot Goth GF. According to Side-Line, the Cold Cave set will include a full performance of "Cremations."

Why you should go

  • Two distinct nights. The Thursday bill leans on synth-driven acts like Desire, while Friday closes with Cold Cave's solo set, so each night offers a different lineup.
  • A rare full-album set. Cold Cave's Wesley Eisold is billed to perform "Cremations" in full at the finale, according to Side-Line.
  • Deep supporting bills. Each night packs several openers and DJ sets, giving attendees hours of music for one ticket.
  • A historic room. The Great American Music Hall at 859 O'Farrell Street hosts all four San Francisco nights.
  • A multi-night option. A four-day pass covers Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30 for anyone who wants the whole run.

What to know before you go

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. for each San Francisco night. Single-night general admission is $22 for early bird, $29.50 in advance and $37 at the door on Oct. 22, 23 and 29; the Oct. 30 show runs $22 early bird, $33 advance and $39 at the door. VIP tickets are $79.50 in advance or $90 at the door. Four-day passes are $90 for early bird GA and $99 for GA, or $200 early bird and $250 for VIP. Tickets are sold through Eventim; check with the organizer for availability and any age rules.

FAQ

When is Substance Festival 2026 in San Francisco?

It runs four nights at the Great American Music Hall: Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2026. As of Oct. 26, the Oct. 29 and 30 shows remain.

How much are tickets?

Single-night GA ranges from $22 early bird to $39 at the door depending on the date, with VIP at $79.50 to $90. Four-day passes run $90 to $250.